McDowell content with new format

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October 2, 2010

Graeme McDowell believes a radically-revised Ryder Cup format could help Europe’s victory hopes.

Graeme McDowell believes a radically-revised Ryder Cup format could help Europe’s victory hopes at Celtic Manor.
The US Open champion and his 11 team-mates faced a physically- punishing and mentally-draining second day following Friday’s weather delay of more than seven hours.
After halving his fourballs match alongside fellow Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy against Stuart Cink and Mutt Kuchar on Saturday morning, they immediately began their foursomes preparations before facing the same opponents.
All 24 European and United States players were set to be on the course at one time as organisers attempted to revive the schedule and remain on course for a planned Sunday finish.
After the foursomes, two fourballs and another quartet of foursomes are also scheduled to start on Saturday.
“We’ve kind of been forced into this scenario,” said McDowell.
“But it is important we try to get this thing done by Sunday evening.
“I like the system. I think it’s great for us playing six foursomes – I think we have a lot of strength in depth in our team, and it really favours our team.
“There has already been some sunshine today, and the golf course is really starting to dry out.”
McDowell also paid tribute to his 21-year-old playing partner, who shone on his Ryder Cup debut.
“Rory and I struggled when we went out there last night, and we were quite happy when play was suspended and we could get home, get a nice sleep and regroup all guns blazing for today,” he added.
“That half a point was a very valuable one for us, personally.
“To play alongside Rory was great, he’s a good friend of mine. To watch him hole the putt he did on 17 and to really arrive at the Ryder Cup was amazing.”

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